Detroit Lions running back Mikel Leshoure missed the entire 2011 NFL season after injuring his Achilles back in August during training. He had been doing quite well during the first two weeks of training camp before the Achilles tear cut the rookie's chances short.
After a full season's worth of recovery time, Leshoure says that he believes 100% that he is going to be ready for the 2012 season opener.
"I'm feeling pretty good when I run; I have no soreness or anything like that – no pain. I'm not full-speed sprints or cuts or anything like that, but just jogging in laps and half-gassers across the field and stuff.
"It's building up slowly and I can definitely see progress. I'm 100-percent sure I'll be ready for (season)."
The Lions running game was lackluster in 2011 with both Leshoure and Jahvid Best out with long term injuries. Getting both back in 2012 will help out their already potent offense led by Matt Stafford that took the Lions to their first playoff berth in a while last season. Leshoure was the Lions' second pick in the 2011 draft.
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